Page 48 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

“Riley,” I say slowly, “what if we need to go to the pharmacy?”

“Pharmacy? Why?” she asks, tilting her head in confusion.

“I just… need something.”

Her expression shifts, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “You mean—”

“Shh! Not so loud!” I hiss, glancing toward the kitchen where Maria finishes preparing our meal. “I just want to make sure without anyone knowing.”

“Okay, okay! I get it,” she whispers, nodding. “But how do we do this? Won’t the guards—”

“I know how to sneak around. Now that you’re back, they’ll be a bit sloppier. We can go unnoticed,” I assure her, feeling a surge of determination.

“All right then, let’s do it!” she says, excitement bubbling in her voice.

I take a deep breath, a mix of anxiety and anticipation coursing through me. This is a decision that could change everything, but I can’t back down now. I need answers.

“Let’s get ready,” I say, and we prepare to sneak out together. My heart is pounding with the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

With my heart racing, I quietly grab a jacket and a hat, glancing at Riley as she does the same. We move quickly, keeping our voices low as we make our way to the house's back entrance. The guards stationed near the main entrance don’t seem to notice us slipping away, and a thrill of excitement courses through me for a moment.

“Are you sure you know a way?” Riley whispers, glancing back at me with worry and adrenaline in her eyes.

“I do! Just follow my lead,” I assure her, trying to sound more confident than I feel. The idea of escaping the confines of this world, even for just a moment, feels liberating.

We step into the cool air, the street outside the house quiet, the shadows of the early afternoon stretching across the pavement. I glance around, making sure the coast is clear, before motioning for Riley to follow me. We stick to the edges, avoiding any visibility, and my heart pounds louder with every step we take.

As we navigate the familiar streets, I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency. The closer we get to the pharmacy, the more my mind races with the implications of what I might discover.

What if I am pregnant? My life with Roman could change completely. It would changeeverything.

I shake my head. I can’t let this thought consume me right now; I need to focus.

When we finally arrive at the small pharmacy, I push the door open, and the cool air from inside hits me. I take a deep breath, ready to tackle this head-on. Riley follows closely behind, and I can see her curiosity piqued as she takes in the rows of products lining the shelves.

“I just need to find a pregnancy test, and we’ll be in and out,” I say, trying to remain calm.

“Okay, I’ll keep an eye out for anyone suspicious,” Riley replies, adopting a serious expression that makes me chuckle despite my nerves.

I weave my way through the aisles, searching for the family planning section. The bright lights feel harsh against my skin, and the normalcy of the pharmacy clashes with the whirlwind of emotions swirling in my head. I spot the shelf, my breath hitching as I approach.

My hands tremble slightly as I grab a box, its packaging stark and clinical. The reality of what this moment means crashes over me, and I hesitate, my mind racing with all the potential outcomes.

“Got it!” I whisper to Riley, who’s standing a few feet away, her posture alert and ready. I don’t know why we’re being so quiet, given that we’re far away from the guards now. I suppose we’re both still stuck in stealth mode.

“Let’s go!” she replies urgently, and I can feel my heart racing.

We make our way to the cashier, my palms sweating as I place the box on the counter. The cashier looks up, her expression neutral, but my stomach twists with anxiety. Ican’t help but wonder what she would think if she knew the significance of this purchase.

“Anything else?” she asks as she rings up the test.

“No, just that,” I reply, forcing a smile that I hope doesn’t betray my anxiety.

“All right, that’ll be twenty dollars,” she says, and I fumble with my wallet, my fingers shaking as I pay.

Once the transaction is complete, I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful to be moving again. Riley and I slip out of the pharmacy, clutching the small box tightly in my hand, and I can’t help but feel a surge of empowerment.

“Now what?” Riley asks as we step back into the sunlight.

---